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This year is expected to be the first year that electric vehicles have become popular. Finished carmakers and imported carmakers plan to launch two to three times more electric cars than the previous year, predicting fierce competition in the market. There are also observations that between 100,000 and 150,000 electric vehicles will be sold in Korea this year. This is equivalent to the cumulative sales volume (around 130,000 units) during the last five years.
Next-gen electric car with a dedicated platform is coming
According to the automobile industry on day 1, there are more than 10 kinds of electric vehicles in the domestic market this year. Until last year, only 3-5 electric vehicles were launched in Korea per year. Starting this year, dedicated platform electric vehicles will also be distributed. These are new cars that are different from the existing ‘basic frame (platform)’ electric cars.
Compared to electric vehicles made by retrofitting an existing internal combustion locomotive, it has excellent driving and safety performance. No space is needed for the motor, and the battery sits on the floor, maximizing interior space. An industry insider said: “There is a high possibility that EV sales will explode from the first half of this year.
Hyundai Motor Company will introduce the Ioniq 5, the first car to which a dedicated platform (E-GMP) is applied, in the first half. The design is based on the ’45’ concept car, which was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany in 2019. The interior space is similar to that of a large Palisade sport utility vehicle (SUV). The ultra-fast charging system is also applied. Using a high voltage 800 volt (V) charge, you can charge 80% of the battery in 18 minutes. With a charge, the driving distance is 500 km. If you charge for 5 minutes, you can travel 100 km.
Kia Motors is also launching CV (codename) of electric vehicles based on the same platform in the second half. Hyundai’s luxury brand Genesis will introduce two types of electric vehicles this year: the electric car model of the G80 (eG80) and the new JW car (code name). GM Korea plans to bring in and sell the Volt EV model and a new electric vehicle model. Ssangyong Motors will also launch the brand’s first electric car, the E100, in the first half. The E100 is a semi-midsize SUV.
Benz and BMW are also all-inclusive electric cars
Imported automakers are also releasing electric cars one after another. Mercedes-Benz’s strategy is to expand its electrification line, focusing on the EQ brand of electric vehicles. Following the launch of EQC, the first pure electric vehicle of the EQ brand in Korea in October 2019, this year EQAs and EQSs based on Benz’s exclusive electric vehicle (MEA) platform will be introduced.
BMW plans to introduce two types of electric vehicles, iX and iX3 in the second half. The iX is the first model that BMW made with EVs in mind from the development stage and is in the final stage of development. There are many prospects for mileage to be at the 500km level when generating over 500 horsepower and charging once. An iX3 electric car based on the X3 mid-size SUV is also coming out.
Audi introduced the e-tron Sportback 55, a coupe-like model of the first electric e-tron that was introduced last year. Porsche also sells high-performance electric vehicles such as the Taycan Turbo and Turbo S. Tesla, a US electric car maker, which swept the domestic electric car market with the Model 3 last year, is launching the Model AND.
In industry, there is also the potential for subsidies for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure to act as variables for sales. Starting this year, the government will reduce the government subsidy for electric vehicles from 8 million won to 7 million won. Instead of partially reducing the subsidy per unit, it will increase the goal (106,000 units → 158,000 units).
Although the number of home chargers is constantly increasing, it is not enough to keep up with the expansion of electric vehicles. The Korea Automotive Industry Association said: “Last year, the number of chargers more than doubled compared to 2019, but it was built mainly for public use, so users still experience inconvenience.” did.
Reporter Do Byeong-wook [email protected]
